Boeing, U.S. Air Force Ahead of Schedule for Tanker Fleet Modernization

19 July 2013
Boeing has conducted the Critical Design Review for the Air Force’s new KC-46A tanker program well in advance of a September deadline, putting it on track to deliver its first tanker by 2016 and modernize the entire fleet. The KC-46 is based on Boeing’s 767-200ER commercial plane and the program will produce 179 new planes to replace the aging KC-135 tanker fleet, with 18 tankers expected by 2017 and production ending in 2027. Air Force officials have identified the new tanker as one of its three key modernization priorities, alongside the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and a new long-range bomber. (Image Credit: USAF)More Info > (Defense News)